Method, pharmacy, dispensing device, medicament dispensing container and computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a medicament dispensing container and a computer program product for dispensing a discrete medicament wherein the method comprises the steps of:-acquiring a value of a parameter indicative of a climate condition or a state of a discrete medicament due to said climate condition; -determining whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or within a second range different from the first range; and-selecting, for the same discrete medicament that can undergo hygroscopic expansion, between a first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is within a first range and a second medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is within a second range, where the second medicament dispensing container has a different size than the first medicament dispensing container.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a medicament dispensing container and a computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments, such as drugs, medicaments, pills, tablets or capsules for medical use.

[0002] US Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1 discloses a system that houses a series of medication dispensing containers (also referred to as "feeding units" or "tanks") for selectively dispensing a quantity of a solid medication from one or more medication dispensing containers and packaging the dispensed quantity. Each medication dispensing container holds a quantity of a solid substance specific to that particular medication dispensing container. Thus, the medication dispensing containers can collectively dispense a wide variety of solid substances.

[0003] The medicament dispensing container comprises an arrangement having a plurality of passageways, wherein each passageway is precisely sized to accommodate the solid medicaments in a single row. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To accurately count dispensed doses, it is important that solid doses are reliably singulated and dispensed individually. In the system of US Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1, each dose has a dedicated dose dispensing container with precisely sized passageways specifically designed for that dose. This dedicated dose dispensing container effectively prevents dispensing errors, such as double dispensing.

[0005] While increasing the precision of channel sizing, it has been discovered that some solid doses are dispensed repeatedly and perfectly without any issues, while others occasionally fail to dispense. The reason for these occasional failures under seemingly constant, climate-controlled conditions remains a mystery. The industry has identified the occasional inability to dispense certain solid doses as a problem that does not outweigh the benefits of precise sizing and increased reliability in dispensing individual solid doses.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a medicament dispensing container and a computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the reliability of dispensing with respect to individual dispensing and / or dispensing capacity can be improved.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0008] - acquiring, by the control unit, a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition or a change in size and / or volume of the discrete medicament caused by said climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to humidity and / or temperature in the environment in which the discrete medicament is stored, filled or dispensed;

[0009] - determining, by the control unit, whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or a second range different from the first range; and

[0010] -For the same discrete medicament that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, the control unit selects between using a first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is within a first range and using a second medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter (V) is within a second range to dispense the same discrete medicament, wherein the second medicament dispensing container has a different size from the first medicament dispensing container.

[0011] The identical discrete medicaments contain a hygroscopically swellable substance. In particular, the identical discrete medicaments are compressed pills or tablets. In the context of the present invention, the term 'discrete medicaments' is to be interpreted as medicaments that are dispensed one by one, individually, separately or in dosage units.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term 'same discrete dose' is to be interpreted as: discrete doses of the same brand, type and size, composition and / or shape. Identical discrete doses are considered 'same' even if they undergo size and / or volume changes due to hygroscopic expansion.

[0013] Furthermore, it is considered that, in the context of the present invention, determining whether the value of a parameter is within the first range or the second range is considered equivalent or equal to determining whether the value of the parameter is above or below a threshold value.

[0014] Applicants have discovered that although discrete medicaments are typically stored and / or dispensed in a climate-controlled environment, small changes in climatic conditions may affect the size of the discrete medicaments. In particular, it has been observed that discrete medicaments containing hygroscopic materials (such as compressed pills or tablets) are susceptible to changes in volume and / or size when the absolute humidity of the environment changes. Although pharmacies strive to keep their environments stable in terms of temperature and relative humidity, absolute humidity may still vary, particularly during different seasons of the year.

[0015] The method according to the present invention takes into account at least one parameter of the climatic conditions in the environment in which the discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed, and based on the at least one parameter, provides a choice or suggestion of using a first medicament dispensing container or a second medicament dispensing container. The method can, for example, provide a choice of using the first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is high and using the second medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is low. The dimensions of the above-mentioned medicament dispensing container are designed to reliably dispense the same discrete medicament at different values ​​of the parameter, particularly within different ranges, or above and below a selected threshold. In this way, the medicament dispensing container can be specifically selected to closely match the size and / or volume of the same discrete medicament within a specific range with minimal tolerance, so that despite small changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion, the same discrete medicament can be more reliably dispensed in terms of individual dispensing and / or dispensing capacity.

[0016] By providing two different medicament dispensing containers for the same discrete medicament, the dispensing container itself does not require complex mechanisms or hygroscopically expandable materials to change the size of the dispensing container and thereby provides more reliable dispensing in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0018] - filling selected ones of the first and second medicament dispensing containers with the same discrete medicament; and / or

[0019] - Dispensing of the same discrete medicament by the dispensing device using the selected medicament dispensing container.

[0020] In one embodiment, the parameter is humidity, in particular absolute humidity. Thus, the value of the parameter can be used as an indicator of the amount of moisture in the environment and of the selection to be made considering the hygroscopic behavior of the same discrete medicament at said value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the parameter is relative humidity. The value of absolute humidity can be obtained in at least two ways: by directly measuring the absolute humidity by a sensor or by calculating the absolute humidity based on the relative humidity and a temperature associated with the relative humidity, wherein the relative humidity is directly measured by the sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the value of this parameter is measured in a dispensing environment in which the same discrete medicament is dispensed. Depending on how long the same discrete medicament remains in the dispensing environment, it may be useful to measure this parameter in the dispensing environment so that when the same discrete medicament is ultimately dispensed, the selected medicament dispensing container is optimized for reliable dispensing under the climatic conditions of the dispensing environment.

[0023] Alternatively, the value of this parameter can be measured in the storage environment and / or packaging environment in which the same discrete medicament is stored or filled. The same discrete medicament may spend a considerable period of time in the storage environment and / or packaging environment. Therefore, compared to the relatively short period of time spent in the dispensing environment, the climatic conditions of the storage environment or packaging environment may have a significant impact on hygroscopic expansion. Therefore, taking the climatic conditions of the storage environment and / or packaging environment into consideration can better select which medicament dispensing container to use.

[0024] In a further alternative embodiment, the value of the parameter is based on or derived from weather data in a weather database. The weather data can be used as an indirect indicator of the climatic conditions to which the same discrete medicament is exposed during storage, filling, or distribution. In particular, weather models and / or weather forecasts associated with the pharmacy's geographic location can be used to predict changes in climatic conditions within the pharmacy's controlled environment.

[0025] In a further alternative embodiment, the value of the parameter is a calendar time, in particular a calendar date, calendar month, calendar quarter, or any other calendar-related time period. These calendar times can be used as an indirect indicator of the climatic conditions to which the same discrete medicament is exposed during storage, filling, or distribution. The medicament dispensing container can, for example, be adapted or optimized for use with a specific date range, a specific month, quarter, or season.

[0026] In a further alternative embodiment, the value of the parameter is the time that the same discrete medicament spends in a storage environment, a filling environment, or a dispensing environment. The longer the same discrete medicament spends in a particular environment, the more time they will be exposed to the climatic conditions in that environment. In particular, the same discrete medicament can hygroscopically expand as the time it spends in a particular environment changes. Therefore, the value of the time it spends in the particular environment can be used to predict or estimate whether the size and / or volume of the same discrete medicament will change due to the climatic conditions and which medicament dispensing container is most suitable for reliably dispensing the same discrete medicament.

[0027] In another embodiment, the method includes the following steps before the step of selecting between the first and second medication dispensing containers: assigning the first and second medication dispensing containers to the same discrete medication by a control unit. Each brand, type, or size of discrete medication typically requires a customized medication dispensing container having a geometry specifically adapted to reliably dispense the specific discrete medication. Therefore, when climatic conditions change, the two medication dispensing containers can be customized, specifically designed, and / or optimized for use with the same discrete medication within a specific range of parameters. By assigning medication dispensing containers to the same discrete medication, a choice can be made between medication dispensing containers that can be used for a specific discrete medication. Alternatively, the same discrete medication can be part of a medication group having the same shape but different compositions. The first and second medication dispensing containers can be assigned not only to the same discrete medication, but also to medication groups having the same shape. In this way, the assigned medication dispensing containers can be used not only for the specific discrete medication, but also for other medications in the medication group having the same shape.

[0028] In another embodiment, the selection made in the step of selecting between the first and second medicament dispensing containers is used to control an automated process for exchanging and filling the selected medicament dispensing container in a dispensing device or pharmacy premises. Alternatively, the selection can be displayed as an instruction to an operator, for example, via a human-machine interface, to exchange and fill the selected medicament dispensing container with the same discrete medicament.

[0029] In another embodiment, a first and second medicament dispensing container each includes a dispensing mechanism having one or more guides that define the dimensions of at least a portion of a dispensing path for the same discrete medicament through the dispensing mechanism, wherein the dimensions of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guides of the second medicament dispensing container differ from the dimensions of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guides of the first medicament dispensing container. Thus, the dispensing paths of the respective medicament dispensing containers can be customized, specifically adapted, and / or optimized for reliably dispensing the same discrete medicament under the respective parameter values ​​for which the respective medicament dispensing containers are designed.

[0030] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guides are fixed for both the first and second medicament dispensing containers. Thus, the dispensing containers themselves do not require complex mechanisms or hygroscopically expandable materials to change their dimensions. Instead, these dispensing containers can be formed with rigid or substantially rigid geometries, are less susceptible to wear or malfunction, and can be easier and / or less expensive to produce.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0032] - acquiring, by the control unit, a value of a parameter indicative of climatic conditions, wherein the climatic conditions relate to humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0033] - determining whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or a second range different from the first range; and

[0034] - Generating, by the control unit, instructions for adjusting the size of the adjustable drug dispensing container for the same discrete drug that undergoes hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable drug dispensing container is adjusted to a first configuration state having a first size when the value of the parameter is within a first range, and is adjusted to a second configuration state having a second size different from the first size when the value of the parameter is within a second range.

[0035] The method according to the second aspect of the present invention differs from the method according to the first aspect of the present invention in that a single adjustable medicament dispensing container is used instead of two medicament dispensing containers of different sizes. In this way, fewer medicament dispensing containers are needed to adapt to climatic conditions, but at the expense of simplicity. The size can be adjusted automatically or manually by the operator, for example based on instructions from a control unit. In both cases, the adjustment is carried out in response to the determination being made. In addition, the method has the same technical advantages as the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. The different embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention can also be applied to the method according to the second aspect of the present invention after necessary modifications.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0037] - Dispensing of the same discrete dose by a dispensing device using an adjustable dose dispensing container.

[0038] In one embodiment, an adjustable medicament dispensing container includes a dispensing mechanism having one or more guides defining a size of at least a portion of a dispensing path for a discrete medicament of the same type through the dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more guides are mechanically adjustable to vary the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guides between a first configuration and a second configuration. The mechanical adjustment may be automatically controlled by an actuator or drive, or manually controlled by an operator.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the adjustable medicament dispensing container includes an actuator element for mechanically adjusting the one or more guides, wherein the actuator element comprises a hygroscopically expandable material. Thus, the actuator element can respond to changes in humidity in the same or similar manner as the discrete medicaments. Thus, the mechanical adjustment can be automatically varied.

[0040] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the pharmacy comprises a set of a first medicament dispensing container and a second medicament dispensing container, the second medicament dispensing container having a different size than the first medicament dispensing container, wherein the pharmacy further comprises a control unit configured to:

[0041] - acquiring a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0042] - determining whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or a second range different from the first range; and

[0043] For the same discrete medicament that undergoes hygroscopic expansion, selecting between using a first medicament dispensing container when the parameter value is within a first range and using a second medicament dispensing container when the parameter value is within a second range to dispense the same discrete medicament.

[0044] The control unit of the pharmacy according to the third aspect of the present invention is configured to perform similar steps to those of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated in the following.

[0045] In one embodiment, after a selected one of the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container has been filled with the same discrete medicament, the control unit is configured to:

[0046] - controlling the dispensing device to dispense the same discrete medicament by using the selected medicament dispensing container.

[0047] In one embodiment, the parameter is absolute humidity. The value of the absolute humidity can be obtained in at least two ways: the value of the parameter can be obtained by directly measuring the absolute humidity by a sensor or by calculating the absolute humidity based on the relative humidity and the temperature associated with the relative humidity, wherein the relative humidity is directly measured by the sensor.

[0048] In one embodiment, a pharmacy includes a first sensor for measuring a value of a parameter in a dispensing environment where the same discrete medicament is dispensed.

[0049] Alternatively, the control unit may be connected to a second sensor for measuring the value of the parameter in a storage environment or a filling environment in which the same discrete medicament is stored or filled, respectively.

[0050] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit may be connected to a meteorological data source, such as a meteorological database, wherein the value of the parameter is based on or derived from the meteorological data.

[0051] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a calendar time, wherein the value of the parameter is a calendar time, in particular a calendar day, a calendar month or a calendar quarter derived from said calendar time.

[0052] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the time over which the same discrete dose of medicament is consumed in a specific environment.

[0053] In another embodiment, the control unit includes a memory, wherein the control unit is configured to identify a first medicament dispensing container and a second medicament dispensing container as candidates for selection to be made, and to assign the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container for the same discrete medicament in the memory.

[0054] In another embodiment, the pharmacy comprises a human-machine interface, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the human-machine interface to display the selection on the human-machine interface as an instruction to the operator to fill the selected medicament dispensing container with the same discrete medicament.

[0055] In another embodiment, the first and second medicament dispensing containers each include a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies that define the size of at least a portion of a dispensing path for the same discrete medicament through the dispensing mechanism, wherein the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies of the second medicament dispensing container is different from the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies of the first medicament dispensing container.

[0056] In an embodiment thereof, the dimensions of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies are fixed for the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the pharmacy comprises an adjustable medicament dispensing container, the adjustable medicament dispensing container being adjustable between a first configuration having a first size and a second configuration having a second size different from the first size, wherein the pharmacy further comprises a control unit configured to:

[0058] - acquiring a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0059] - determining whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or a second range different from the first range; and

[0060] - Generating instructions for adjusting an adjustable medicament dispensing container for the same discrete medicament that undergoes hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable medicament dispensing container is adjusted to a first configuration state when the value of the parameter is within a first range and adjusted to a second configuration state when the value of the parameter is within a second range.

[0061] The control unit of the pharmacy according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to perform similar steps to those of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated in the following.

[0062] In one embodiment, after adjusting the adjustable medicament dispensing container, the control unit is configured to:

[0063] - Controlling the dispensing device to dispense the same discrete doses by using an adjustable dose dispensing container.

[0064] In one embodiment, an adjustable drug dispensing container includes a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies that define the size of at least a portion of a dispensing path for the same discrete drug through the dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more guide bodies are mechanically adjustable to change the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

[0065] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a drug dispensing container for use in a pharmacy, wherein the drug dispensing container includes a dispensing mechanism having one or more guides, the one or more guides being adjustable between a first configuration state having a first size and a second configuration state having a second size different from the first size, wherein the drug dispensing container includes an actuator element for mechanically adjusting the one or more guides, wherein the actuator element includes a hygroscopically expandable material. This is the same as the drug dispensing container used in the method according to the second aspect of the present invention and therefore has the same technical advantages in use. In particular, the actuator element can respond to changes in humidity in the same or similar manner as discrete medicaments. Therefore, the mechanical adjustment can change automatically.

[0066] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product, comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause a pharmacy according to any of the third or fourth aspects of the present invention to perform the steps of a method according to any of the first or second aspects of the present invention. The computer program product can, for example, be implemented or loaded onto a control unit of the pharmacy to perform one of the aforementioned methods, thereby achieving the aforementioned technical effects.

[0067] Each of the various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied independently wherever possible. For example, the dispensing device and control unit for a pharmacy according to the third or fourth aspects of the present invention may be applied independently of the pharmacy. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the accompanying dependent claims, may become the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] The invention will be explained on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying schematic diagram, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 A pharmacy is shown having a dispensing environment, a storage environment, a filling environment, and various elements of the exterior of the pharmacy;

[0070] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating a method for dispensing discrete medicaments using two medicament dispensing containers according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 a dispensing mechanism of a first medicament dispensing container and superimposed with a cross-section of a dispensing mechanism of a second medicament dispensing container of different dimensions;

[0072] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of an alternative adjustable medicament dispensing container according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0073] Figure 5 Shown according to Figure 4 A top view of an alternative adjustable medication dispensing container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Figure 1 A pharmacy 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the pharmacy 1, medicines, drugs, medicaments, pharmaceuticals or other solid substances for medical use, in particular pills or tablets, are prepared for distribution to patients.

[0075] like Figure 1As shown, in this example, pharmacy 1 includes at least one of dispensing environment 2, storage environment 3, and filling environment 4. In this example, dispensing environment 2, storage environment 3, and / or filling environment 4 are different environments within the same building (e.g., in one geographic location). Alternatively, environments 2, 3, and 4 may be in different or separate buildings and / or in different or separate geographic locations. Environments 2, 3, and 4 may be distinct or separate from each other (e.g., separated by a wall), or they may be only virtually separated or not separated at all (e.g., when two or more of environments 2, 3, and 4 are part of the same contiguous space or within the same room).

[0076] The dispensing environment 2 comprises at least one dispensing device 21 for dispensing and / or packaging medicaments. The dispensing device 21 may be a highly automated system, for example corresponding to the system known from US Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1. The dispensing device 21 is configured to receive medicament dispensing containers A1, A2 (also referred to as "cans"). Figure 3 As shown, each medicament dispensing container A1, A2 has a supply chamber for holding a stock of discrete medicaments, an outlet 97, and a dispensing mechanism 9, 9' for dispensing the discrete medicaments into a collecting and / or packaging unit of the dispensing device 21. The medicaments are discrete in the sense that they can be dispensed one by one, individually, separately, or in dosage units.

[0077] The dispensing device 21 is provided with an exchange station 22 for exchanging the medicament dispensing containers A1, A2, for example by replacing an empty medicament dispensing container with a full one. In this example, the exchange station 22 is provided with an exchange drawer 23 that can be conveniently pulled out from the housing of the dispensing device 21 for easy exchange.

[0078] The storage environment 3 is configured to store inventory containers 31-36 having discrete medications. The storage environment 3 can be configured to store the discrete medications under optimal storage conditions, but using the current system can allow some medications to be stored under conditions that were previously impossible and / or with medications that previously required other storage conditions.

[0079] The filling environment 4 is provided with a filling station 41 for filling the medicament dispensing containers A1 , A2 with discrete medicaments from the stock containers 31 - 36 of the storage environment 3 .

[0080] Figure 1 Further shown is an external environment 5 outside or exterior to the pharmacy 1. The external environment 5 is exposed to weather and / or climate.

[0081] The distribution environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4 are provided with climate control, in particular air conditioning, to control the climate conditions (such as temperature and relative humidity). The climate conditions in the distribution environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4 can be controlled in a sequential or independent manner for each environment 2, 3, 4.

[0082] The pharmacy 1 is further provided with a control unit 6 that controls at least part of the pharmacy's operations. In this example, the control unit 6 is part of or associated with the dispensing device 1 in the dispensing environment 2. Alternatively, the control unit 6 may be located in one of the environments 3, 4 or in a dedicated control environment. The control unit 6 comprises a processor 61 and a memory 62, in particular a tangible or non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a physical data carrier (e.g., a hard drive, a USB drive, a RAM memory, etc.). The memory 62 is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 61, cause the control unit 6 to control the operations of the pharmacy 1, in particular the operations of the dispensing device 21. The memory 62 is further configured to store data related to the aforementioned operations.

[0083] Pharmacy 1 is further provided with one or more sensors 71-75 for sensing or measuring a value of a parameter indicative of, representative of, or usable for calculating or deriving a climatic condition in one or more of environments 2, 3, 4, and 5. The one or more sensors 71-75 may, for example, be a sensor selected from the group consisting of a humidity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, an absolute humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination thereof. Each sensor 71-75 is configured to generate and / or output a signal indicative of or representative of the value of the climatic parameter measured by the corresponding sensor 71-75.

[0084] In particular, the one or more sensors 71-75 include a first sensor 71 located in the dispensing environment 2 within the dispensing device 1, i.e., in the same space where the medication dispensing containers A1, A2 are located when they are operable to dispense discrete medications. A second sensor 72 is located in the dispensing environment 2 outside the dispensing device 21. A third sensor 73 is located in the storage environment 3. A fourth sensor 74 is located in the filling environment 4. A fifth sensor 75 is positioned in the external environment 5 outside the pharmacy 1.

[0085] The control unit 6 is electronically and / or operatively connected to each of the one or more sensors 71 - 75 to acquire and process the signals from said sensors 71 - 75. The values ​​contained in said signals may be stored in the memory 62 intermittently or continuously.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be electronically and / or operatively connected to a meteorological data source, such as a meteorological database 76. The meteorological database 76 may provide information about climatic conditions associated with the geographical location and / or meteorological season of the pharmacy 1 based on real-time or historical data. The meteorological database 76 may be located in, at, or near the pharmacy 1, or the meteorological database may be remotely accessible (e.g., via the Internet).

[0087] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be configured to obtain values ​​of calendar time, such as calendar day, calendar month and / or calendar quarter, for example from an internal clock or via a network time protocol.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the pharmacy 1 further includes one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 (e.g., displays or screens), which are electronically or operatively connected to the control unit 6 for feeding back information processed by the processor 61 to an operator (e.g., a pharmacist) in the pharmacy 1. In this example, a first human-machine interface 81 of the one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 is disposed in the dispensing environment 2, particularly at or associated with the dispensing device 21, and a second human-machine interface 82 of the one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 is disposed in the filling environment 2, particularly at or associated with the filling station 41.

[0089] Figure 2 Shows the use of Figure 1 Flowchart of the steps of a method for dispensing discrete medications M1, M2 by a pharmacy 1.

[0090] Figure 2 Two different discrete doses M1 and M2 are shown, which are subject to hygroscopic expansion, in particular to changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion, meaning that the discrete doses increase in size and / or volume when absorbing moisture. More particularly, the first discrete dose M1 shown represents identical discrete doses M1 that are "identical" to one another in the sense of having the same certain brand, type, specification, composition and / or shape. Identical first discrete doses M1 are still considered 'identical' when undergoing changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion. Similarly, the second discrete dose M2 shown represents identical discrete doses M2 that are different from the first discrete dose M1 but are 'identical' to one another except for the changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion.

[0091] When the method is started (step S1), Figure 1 The one or more sensors 71-75 and / or the meteorological database 76 transmit and / or measure information, data or signals and are Figure 1The control unit 6 acquires and processes information, data, or signals (step S2). The signal is then converted into a value V of a parameter P indicative of the climate conditions (step S3). The signal may be converted directly into the value V, or the signal may be used to indirectly calculate or derive the value V of the parameter P.

[0092] The parameter P can, for example, be related to the humidity H1, in particular the absolute humidity H1. The value V of the absolute humidity H1 can be obtained by directly measuring the absolute humidity H1. Alternatively, the value V of the absolute humidity H1 can be obtained indirectly by calculating the absolute humidity H1 based on the relative humidity H2 and the temperature T associated with the relative humidity H2, for example using the ideal gas equation.

[0093] The parameter P may alternatively be a calendar time D, in which case the value V may be, for example, a calendar date, a calendar month, a calendar quarter or another calendar-related time period.

[0094] The parameter P may alternatively be a value of the time that the discrete medicaments M1 , M2 spend in a particular environment (eg, in the dispensing environment 2 , the storage environment 3 , and / or the filling environment 4 ).

[0095] The parameter P may also be weather data W obtained from a weather database, in which case the value V may be a weather season or a weather parameter. The value V of the weather data W may indicate real-time climate conditions or may be based on historical data. The weather data W may include, for example, absolute humidity H1, relative humidity H2, and / or temperature T for the relevant geographic location of the pharmacy 1 and / or the relevant calendar time D or weather season.

[0096] In the next step (step S4), it is determined whether the value V of the parameter P is within a first range R1 or within a second range R2 different from the first range R1. In particular, it is determined whether the value V of the parameter P is above or below a threshold value separating the two ranges R1, R2. The ranges R1, R2 and / or the threshold value are stored in Figure 1 In effect, each range R1, R2 indicates whether a change in size and / or volume of the discrete medicaments M1, M2 due to hygroscopic expansion is expected. For example, if the value V of the parameter P is within the second range R2, and range R2 indicates an increase in the volume of the discrete medicaments, a larger dispensing container will be selected.

[0097] In the case where the parameter P is the absolute humidity H1 , the two ranges R1 , R2 may be selected to correspond to different ranges of the absolute humidity H1 , or a specific threshold value (eg, sixty percent) may be selected for the absolute humidity H1 .

[0098] In the case where the parameter P is a calendar time D, each range can be selected to correspond to a selected calendar range (e.g., a date range, a month range, or a quarter range), or the threshold can be a selected date, a selected month, or a selected quarter (e.g., September or the third quarter). Calendar time D is considered to be indicative of climatic conditions because calendar time can be used to determine which part of the annual climatic cycle is currently occurring. Based on historical data on the annual climatic cycle, it can be determined which climatic conditions typically apply without direct or real-time knowledge or measurement of the climatic conditions.

[0099] In the case where parameter P is the time of extinction in a particular environment, ranges R1 and R2 can be separated by a threshold value for extinction time. For example, the number of hours, days, weeks, or months in a particular environment. The threshold value can be selected based on how the climatic conditions of a particular environment change the size and / or volume of discrete doses M1 and M2 over time. For example, if the absolute humidity H1 is relatively high, the threshold value will be selected to be lower than if the absolute humidity H1 is relatively low.

[0100] In the case where the parameter P is derived from meteorological data W, each range R1, R2 can be selected to correspond to a range of meteorological parameters (such as absolute humidity H1, relative humidity H2, and / or temperature T), or to correspond to a selected meteorological season (e.g., summer or winter), or the threshold value can be the transition between meteorological seasons. Similarly, knowing only the current meteorological season is sufficient to determine which climatic conditions apply to each range R1, R2 without direct or real-time knowledge or measurement of the climatic conditions.

[0101] The next step (step S5) is optional and is used to determine whether the determined ranges R1, R2 are different from the ranges R1, R2 determined during the previous cycle of the method (if any). If 'yes' (Y), the method continues to the next step (step S6). If 'no' (N), the method returns to the beginning of the method (step S1) and repeats these steps (S1 to S4).

[0102] Subsequently, the method includes a step of searching and / or selecting the medicament dispensing container A1, A1, B1, B2 that is most suitable for the specific discrete medicament M1, M2 in the previously determined range R1, R2 (step S6). To this end, for certain discrete medicaments M1, M2, at least two different medicament dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, B2 are assigned to each range R1, R2 for each discrete medicament M1, M2 and are allocated in the memory 62.

[0103] More specifically, if Figure 2As shown, the drug dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, and B2 can be listed in a table, for example, in the form of two columns representing the ranges R1 and R2, and are associated in the form of rows with discrete drugs M1 and M2 that have been assigned drug dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, and B2 by the control unit 6. In this example, the first discrete drug M1 has been assigned the first drug dispensing container A1 and the second drug dispensing container A2 for the first range R1 and the second range R2, respectively. Similarly, the second discrete drug M2, which is different from the first discrete drug M1, has been assigned the alternative first drug dispensing container B1 and the alternative second drug dispensing container B2 for the first range R1 and the second range R2, respectively.

[0104] Figure 2 Selection C of the most suitable medicament dispensing container A1 , A2, B1 , B2 for a particular discrete medicament M1 , M2 is schematically highlighted by a circle C. Selection C may be displayed as a preference or recommendation to the pharmacist, who makes or confirms the final selection.

[0105] In the final step of the method (step S7), the selection C may be displayed to the pharmacist, who makes or confirms the final selection. Alternatively, the selection is converted into an instruction and displayed to the pharmacist to change the current Figure 1 The medicament dispensing container A1 in the dispensing device 21 is exchanged with the selected medicament dispensing container A2, and / or the selected medicament dispensing container A2 is filled with the same first discrete medicament M1. The selection C can be output and / or displayed on one of the human-machine interfaces 81, 82, for example, at the dispensing device 21 or the filling station 41. Alternatively, when the exchange and / or filling of the medicament dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, B2 can be at least partially automated, for example, the instruction can be directly fed to the corresponding automated machine to perform the exchange or filling operation.

[0106] In summary, the method involves selecting, for the same discrete medicament M1 that undergoes a change in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion, between a first medicament dispensing container A1 when the value V of the parameter P is within a first range R1 and a second medicament dispensing container A2 when the value V of the parameter P is within a second range R2.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the geometry of the second medicament dispensing container A2 (shown in dashed lines) is different from the geometry of the first medicament dispensing container A1 (shown in solid lines). In particular, the second medicament dispensing container A2 has different dimensions than the first medicament dispensing container A1.

[0108] The first medicament dispensing container A1 is provided with a dispensing mechanism 9 , the operation of which has been described in detail in US Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1 , incorporated herein by reference, and will only be briefly described below.

[0109] The dispensing mechanism 9 includes a first guide body 91 in the form of a supply body, which prepares the same first discrete drug M1 in one or more supply passages 92. The dispensing mechanism 9 further includes a second guide body 93 in the form of a singulation body, which has one or more singulation chambers 94 for receiving a single first discrete drug M1 or a certain dose of the same first discrete drug M1 from the one or more supply passages 92. The dispensing mechanism 9 further includes a third guide body 95 in the form of a dispensing body, which has one or more waiting chambers 96. One or more of the guide bodies 91, 93, 95 are configured to be rotatable for supplying, singulating, and dispensing the first discrete drug M1.

[0110] In this example, the dispensing mechanism 9 further includes a circumferential recess 98 between the first guide body 91 and the second guide body 93, which is used to receive a partition member 99 (e.g., a partition plate or a brush) that separates the supply passage 92 from the singulation chamber 94 at a position where the first discrete medicine M1 is transferred from the singulation chamber 94 to the waiting chamber 96.

[0111] The guides 91, 93, 95 and the brush recess 98 define the dimensions X, Y, and Z of at least a portion of a dispensing path 90 of the same first discrete medicament M1 through the dispensing mechanism 9. In particular, the first guide 91 and the second guide 92 define the width X and depth Y of the one or more supply passages 92 and / or the one or more singulation chambers 94. The circumferential recess 98 defines the depth Z of the circumferential recess and determines the size of the partition member 99 received therein.

[0112] Other dimensions may also be defined by portions of the dispensing mechanism 9 including, but not limited to, the height of the one or more singulation chambers 94 , the width, depth and / or height of the one or more waiting chambers 96 , and the inclination angle of the conical upper surface of the first guide body 91 .

[0113] The second drug dispensing container A2 (in Figure 3 ', and / or the circumferential recess 98' having different dimensions X', Y', Z' of the one or more supply passages 92', the one or more singulation chambers 94', and / or the circumferential recess 98'.

[0114] In this way, the selected drug dispensing containers A1, A2 can be specifically adapted to closely match the size and / or volume of the same first discrete drug M1 within a specific range R1, R2 (i.e., with minimal tolerance) so that despite small changes caused by hygroscopic expansion, the same first discrete drug M1 can be more reliably dispensed in terms of individual dispensing and / or dispensing capacity.

[0115] Figure 4 An alternative adjustable drug dispensing container A101 is shown, which differs from the aforementioned first drug dispensing container A1 in that the adjustable drug dispensing container includes an alternative dispensing mechanism 109, which has one or more guide bodies 191, 193 and a circumferential recess 198, and the one or more guide bodies and the circumferential recess can be mechanically adjusted to change the dimensions X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z' of the dispensing path 190 between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

[0116] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the first guide body 191 and the second guide body 193 are each formed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed and radially expandable segments 196, 197, wherein the one or more passages 192 and / or the one or more singularization chambers 194 are formed at the transitions between the segments 196, 197. Therefore, when the segments 196, 197 expand radially, the size of the one or more passages 192 and / or the one or more singularization chambers 194 formed therebetween increases.

[0117] The radial expansion of the segments 196, 197 may be varied automatically by means of an actuator element 199 that responds to changes in the value V of the parameter P in the same or similar manner as the same first discrete medicament M1. In particular, as Figure 5 As shown, the actuator element 199 can be centrally positioned between the segments 196, and the actuator element can include a hygroscopic expandable material that expands when subjected to relatively high humidity (see the expanded actuator element 199' shown in dashed lines) and drives these segments 196 radially outward, thereby increasing the size of the supply path 192 defined by the segments 196.

[0118] Alternatively, the mechanical adjustment may be automatically controlled by suitable actuators and / or performed manually by a pharmacist based on instructions generated by the control unit 6 (eg displayed via one of the human-machine interfaces 81 , 82 ).

[0119] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Based on the above discussion, many variations will be clear to those skilled in the art, and these variations will still be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

[0120] List of Reference Numerals

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Claims

1. A pharmacy (1) comprising a dispensing device (21) for dispensing discrete medicaments (M1, M2) and a set of a first medicament dispensing container (A1) and a second medicament dispensing container (A2), the second medicament dispensing container having dimensions (X', Y') different from the first medicament dispensing container (A1), wherein: The pharmacy (1) further comprises a control unit (6) configured to: - obtaining a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of a climatic condition or a change in size and / or volume of the discrete doses (M1, M2) caused by the climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to the humidity and / or temperature of the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the discrete doses (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed; - determining whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); and -For identical discrete medicaments (M1) that may undergo hygroscopic expansion, a choice is made between using the first medicament dispensing container (A1) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) and using the second medicament dispensing container (A2) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2) to dispense these identical discrete medicaments (M1).

2. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein: After a selected one of the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2) has been filled with the same discrete medicaments (M1), the control unit (6) is configured to: - Controlling the dispensing device (21) to dispense the same discrete medicaments (M1) by using the selected medicament dispensing container (A2).

3. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: This parameter is the absolute humidity (H1).

4. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: This parameter is the relative humidity (H1).

5. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring the absolute humidity (H1) by sensors (71-75).

6. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75), and the absolute humidity (H1) is calculated based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and the temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2).

7. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The pharmacy (1) comprises a first sensor (71, 72) for measuring the value (V) of the parameter (P) in a dispensing environment (2) in which the same discrete medicaments (M1) are dispensed.

8. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (6) may be connected to a second sensor (73, 74) for measuring the value (V) of the parameter (P) in the storage environment (3) and / or filling environment (4) in which the same discrete medicaments (M1) are stored or filled, respectively.

9. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (6) may be connected to a meteorological database (76), wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is based on or derived from meteorological data (W) from the meteorological database (76).

10. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (6) is configured to determine a calendar time (D), wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is the calendar time (D), in particular a calendar date, a calendar month, a calendar quarter, a calendar season or another calendar-related time period.

11. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (6) is configured to determine the time that the same discrete doses (M1, M2) have been consumed in an environment (2, 3, 4) in which the discrete doses (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed.

12. The pharmacy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The control unit (6) includes a memory (62), wherein the control unit (6) is configured to identify the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2) as candidates for a selection (C) to be made, and to assign the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2) to these same discrete medicaments (M1) in the memory (62).

13. The pharmacy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The control unit (6) is operably connected to a human-machine interface (81, 82) for displaying the selection (C) as an instruction to the operator to fill the selected medicament dispensing container (A2) with the same discrete medicaments (M1).

14. The pharmacy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) each include a dispensing mechanism (9, 9'), the dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98'), the one or more guide bodies defining the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of the dispensing path (90, 90') of these same discrete medicaments (M1) passing through the dispensing mechanism (9, 9'), wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the dispensing path (90') defined by the one or more guide bodies (91', 93', 98') of the second medicament dispensing container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the dispensing path (90) defined by the one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 98) of the first medicament dispensing container (A1).

15. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 14, wherein For the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2), the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the dispensing path (90, 90') defined by the one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98') are fixed.

16. A pharmacy (1) comprising a dispensing device (21) for dispensing discrete medicaments (M1), wherein: The pharmacy (1) comprises an adjustable medicine dispensing container (A101), which is adjustable between a first configuration state having a first dimension (X, Y, Z) and a second configuration state having a second dimension (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimension (X, Y, Z), wherein the pharmacy (1) further comprises a control unit (6), which is configured to: - obtaining a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of a climatic condition or a change in size and / or volume of the discrete doses (M1, M2) caused by the climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to the humidity and / or temperature of the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the discrete doses (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed; - determining whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); and -Generate instructions for adjusting the adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) for the same discrete drug (M1) that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) is adjusted to the first configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1), and is adjusted to the second configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2).

17. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 16, wherein After adjusting the adjustable medicament dispensing container (A101), the control unit (6) is configured to: - Controlling the dispensing device (21) to dispense the same discrete medicaments (M1) by using the adjustable medicament dispensing container (A101).

18. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) includes a dispensing mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), which define the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of a dispensing path (190) of the same discrete drugs (M1) passing through the dispensing mechanism (109), wherein the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198) are mechanically adjustable to change the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the dispensing path (190) defined by the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198) between the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

19. A method for dispensing discrete doses of medicine (M1, M2), wherein: The method comprises the following steps: - obtaining by a control unit (6) a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of a climatic condition or a change in size and / or volume of the discrete doses (M1, M2) caused by the climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to the humidity and / or temperature of the environment in which the discrete doses (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed (2, 3, 4); - determining, by the control unit (6), whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); and -For identical discrete medicaments (M1) that may undergo hygroscopic expansion, the control unit (6) selects between using a first medicament dispensing container (A1) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) and using a second medicament dispensing container (A2) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2) to dispense these identical discrete medicaments (M1), wherein the second medicament dispensing container (A2) has a different size from that of the first medicament dispensing container (A1).

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: - filling a selected one of the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2) with the same discrete medicaments (M1).

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: - Dispensing of the same discrete medicaments (M1) by the dispensing device (21) by using the selected medicament dispensing container (A2).

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: This parameter (P) is the absolute humidity (H1).

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The parameter (P) is the relative humidity (H2).

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring the absolute humidity (H1) by sensors (71-75).

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75), and the absolute humidity (H1) is calculated based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and the temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2).

26. The method of claim 19, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by a sensor (72) in a dispensing environment (2) where the same discrete doses (M1) are dispensed.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by sensors (73, 74) in the storage environment (3) and / or filling environment (4) in which the same discrete medicaments (M1) are stored and / or filled, respectively.

28. The method of claim 19, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is based on or derived from weather data (W) in a weather database (76).

29. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is a calendar time (D), in particular a calendar date, a calendar month, a calendar quarter or another calendar-related time period.

30. The method of claim 19, wherein: The value (V) of the parameter (P) is the time that these same discrete doses (M1, M2) spend in the environment (2, 3, 4) in which these discrete doses (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed.

31. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein: The method comprises the following steps before the step of selecting between the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2): the control unit (6) assigns the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2) to the same discrete medicaments (M1).

32. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein: The method further includes the step of displaying, by a human-machine interface (81, 82), a selection (C) made in the step of selecting between the first medicament dispensing container (A1) and the second medicament dispensing container (A2).

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The displayed selection (C) is an instruction to the operator to fill the selected medicament dispensing container (A2) with the same discrete medicaments (M1).

34. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 33, wherein: The first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) each include a dispensing mechanism (9, 9'), wherein the dispensing mechanism has one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95'), the one or more guide bodies defining the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of the dispensing path (90, 90') of these same discrete medicaments (M1) passing through the dispensing mechanism (9, 9'), wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the dispensing path (90') defined by the one or more guide bodies (91', 93', 95') of the second medicament dispensing container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the dispensing path (90) defined by the one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 95) of the first medicament dispensing container (A1).

35. The method of claim 34, wherein: For the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2), the one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 95; The dimensions of the dispensing path (90, 90') defined by the dispensing paths (91', 93', 95') are fixed.

36. A method for dispensing discrete doses of medicine (M1, M2), wherein: The method comprises the following steps: - obtaining by a control unit (6) a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of a climatic condition or a change in size and / or volume of the discrete doses (M1, M2) caused by the climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition is related to the humidity and / or temperature of the environment in which the discrete doses (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed (2, 3, 4); - determining, by the control unit (6), whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); - The control unit (6) generates instructions for adjusting the size (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) for the same discrete drug (M1) that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) is adjusted to a first configuration state having a first size (X, Y, Z) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1), and is adjusted to a second configuration state having a second size (X', Y', Z') different from the first size (X, Y, Z) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2).

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: - dispensing of the same discrete doses (M1) by a dispensing device (21) using the adjustable dose dispensing container (A101).

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, wherein: The adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) includes a dispensing mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), which define the size of at least a portion of a dispensing path (190) of these same discrete drugs (M1) passing through the dispensing mechanism (109), wherein the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198) are mechanically adjustable to change the size (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the dispensing path (190) defined by the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198) between the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein: The adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) includes an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), wherein the actuator element (199) includes a hygroscopically expandable material.

40. A medicine dispensing container (A101) for use in a pharmacy (1), wherein: The drug dispensing container (A101) includes a dispensing mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), which are capable of adjusting between a first configuration state having a first dimension (X, Y, Z) and a second configuration state having a second dimension (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimension (X, Y, Z), wherein the drug dispensing container (A101) includes an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), wherein the actuator element (199) includes a hygroscopically expandable material.

41. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium (62) having instructions which, when executed by a processor (61), cause a pharmacy (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 to perform the steps of a method according to any one of claims 19 to 39.

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